A recent study conducted in Washington state has found that pregnant individuals are 70% more likely to contract COVID-19 compared to adults of similar age. Published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the research indicates that nonwhite pregnant individuals are disproportionately affected by the virus.
Lead researcher, Dr. Emily Hartman from the University of Washington, commented, “The findings show that pregnant individuals have not been able to avoid the pandemic as we had hoped. The increased rates of infection, alongside a heightened risk for severe illness and maternal mortality linked to COVID-19, indicate that pregnancy should be categorized as a high-risk health condition for vaccine distribution across the U.S.”
The research team, which included 35 hospitals and clinics, analyzed data from 240 pregnant individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 between March and June 2020. This group represented 61% of the state’s annual births. The study revealed that 13.9 out of every 1,000 newborns were born to mothers with COVID-19, compared to 7.3 per 1,000 among residents aged 20 to 39. After excluding 45 cases identified through asymptomatic screening, the infection rate among pregnant women adjusted to 11.3 per 1,000.
The authors noted, “Pregnant individuals were vulnerable during the early stages of the pandemic, especially among various racial and ethnic minority groups. This data, combined with the acknowledgment that pregnancy is a risk factor for severe illness, strongly suggests that pregnant individuals should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination, as has been the case in certain states.”
Dr. Hartman also encouraged pregnant people to consult with their healthcare providers regarding the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. “We aim to use the insights from this study to enhance preparedness for future pandemics and ensure that pregnant individuals are included in vaccine trials and distribution discussions,” she added.
Leading health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, support COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women. The study’s authors suggest the increased infection rates may stem from higher exposure risks related to childcare responsibilities, caregiving roles, and living in larger households.
Dr. Sarah Lee, one of the study’s contributors, emphasized the importance of targeted public health messaging. “Recognizing the geographical, racial, and linguistic distribution of COVID-19 infections among pregnant individuals will help tailor a public health response to those at the highest risk for adverse outcomes.”
For more on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Kindbody, an excellent resource on this topic. Additionally, check out Fertility Booster for Men for more insights into enhancing fertility. If you’re interested in understanding our terms of service, you can find that information here.
In summary, the study highlights the heightened risk of COVID-19 among pregnant individuals, especially within minority groups, calling for increased vaccination prioritization and targeted public health efforts. The findings advocate for pregnant individuals to engage in discussions regarding vaccination with their healthcare providers to ensure their health and safety during the pandemic.